On granting the listed status, Mr Penrose said the aerodrome was a “poignant reminder of the conditions in which they were working”.

“I am listing Stow Maries for its rarity, its architectural interest, its value as a group and also of course for its historical importance as the first line of defence against German air raids,” he said.

English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley said: “The importance of Stow Maries is amplified by the approaching 100th anniversary of the Great War.

“It’s in a remarkable state of preservation, full of historic interest and of great educational potential.”